With its emotional look at a group of student dissidents, Performance Network triumphantly tackles the issue of when to speak out against atrocities in its new production, "The White Rose."

Inspired by the true story of five students who resisted the Nazis in World War II-era Germany, playwright Lillian Groag's "The White Rose" follows siblings Hans and Sophie Scholl through a series of police interrogations after they are caught distributing anti-Hitler leaflets at their university.

The audience views the Scholls and their friends Alexander Schmorell, Willi Graf and Christoph Probst as they progress from a social circle with sharing political views to an organized resistance group through a series of flashbacks. In the Performance Network's intimate theater, the audience becomes a part of this lively crew, sharing in their cultured jokes about Beethoven and Goethe. These scenes allow Scott Crownover to skillfully present Hans' somewhat naive awe in the power of ideas, while Robyn Heller, who portrays Sophie, develops her character's devotion to her beliefs.

While these moments provide important insight into the formerly carefree existence of the Scholls, far more compelling are the production's interrogation scenes. Here Heller truly shines, demonstrating true chemistry when paired with Mark Rademacher, who plays Robert Mohr, the police official in charge of the treason case against the students. Heller lends the character of Sophie the quality of serenity, even when she is faced with Mohr's threatening temper.

Rademacher successfully fills the key role of the production. He conveys a true sense of power under tight rein in his portrayal of Mohr. Rademacher vividly brings to life Mohr's internal struggle between his agreement with Sophie's insistence on speaking out against the oppressive government and his need to keep himself and his family safe from the Nazis. His performance helps the audience members identify with Mohr and wonder what they would do if caught in his position.

Rademacher's scenes with University Prof. Malcolm Tulip clarify the nature of Mohr's struggle. Tulip plays Anton Mahler, a representative of the Nazi party working with Mohr in the police department. In Tulip's hands, Mahler becomes more frightening because he often appears innocuous. In his speeches, however, Tulip endows Mahler with an insidious quality. Tulip's acting makes the character of Mahler a perfect foil for Rademacher's tormented performance as Mohr.

Daniel C. Walker's lighting design highlights the intense relationships between the characters. He knows when to narrow the light on one actor to emphasize hos or her lines. Walker also displays some of the dissidents' slogans on the walls in red lights periodically to show when the plot is jumping around in time and space.

In addition, Monika Essen's set design heightens the drama by adding levels to the small stage. Twin staircases surround the main performing floor and vary the ways in which the actors utilize the space.

"The White Rose" prevails in creating real interactions between its actors that draw the audience into the story. Director David Wolber creates an atmosphere that allows viewers to laugh out loud at the students' jokes even while they grapple with the issues of free speech at stake. The production entertains its audience members but also presents ideas that they will ponder long after the house lights come up.